Mexico’s second major Pacific resort, the former old colonial city of Puerto Vallarta (75 minutes’ flight from Mexico City) is set within the deep curve of Banderas Bay, backed by lush jungle and the imposing grandeur of the Sierra Madre mountains. The little fishing town of the 19th century has now become a bustling community of great style and colour - graced with lovely old architecture, cobblestone streets and white stucco buildings crowned by flower-draped balconies and red-tiled roofs. It also boasts excellent shops, restaurants and nightlife and, of course, a superb beach-fringed Banderas Bay shoreline that leads north to the stylish surroundings of the vibrant Marina Vallarta area.